How to avoid getting the fangs stuck in you

A LOCAL snake catcher has urged caution, but not panic, as recent hot weather has seen snake incidents increase in residential areas.

Jarrod Bingham from Bacchus Marsh has been a snake catcher for 16 years and said this year is likely to be his biggest ever catching the slithery serpents.

But he also said staying safe when coming across snakes is simple, and has some tips on what to do, and what not to do.

“If you respect snakes, they’ll respect you,” he said. “If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.

“Regardless of what people say, snakes don’t chase people for no reason, unless you’re aggravating them or whatnot.

“If you see a snake, do your best to keep an eye on it, at a safe distance. If you lose it, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack trying to find it again.”

Mr Bingham said pets, and especially dogs, can be prone to attacking snakes when they spot them, which can make it tricky to keep furry friends safe, but he also has advice on that front.

“The best thing is to snake-proof your backyard,” he said.

“It’s very simple, snake and mouse mesh are available at Bunnings, and snakes can’t get through that mesh. Install that along your fences.

“You also don’t want to incentivise a snake to stick around. Don’t give them anywhere to hide like piles of rubbish, leaves, or long grass.

“Often they’ll also come looking for water sources, so bring your pets’ water bowl inside when it’s hot out.

“Also make sure you keep your doors closed, as when it’s over 30 degrees, snakes will be seeking shade.”